Ferguson: Young nearing full fitness

25 January 2013 10:47

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Sir Alex Ferguson is convinced Ashley Young will be fit for Manchester United's Champions League clash with Real Madrid next month.

Young sustained a knee injury in the victory over Liverpool at Old Trafford a fortnight ago and Ferguson expected the England international to return for last weekend's draw at Tottenham. The former Aston Villa man did not make it and there have been claims the injury is much more longer term that Ferguson first anticipated.

However, the United boss insisted Young is not far away from a return and will be fit to face Jose Mourinho's men. And he said: "Ashley is not far away. He has done a bit of training and he is on the road back."

Asked whether he would be fit for the Real Madrid games, Ferguson replied: "I am sure of that."

Ferguson also confirmed Jonny Evans would miss the FA Cup tie with Fulham at Old Trafford on Saturday with a hamstring injury.

"It has taken a bit longer than we thought but he has done a bit of training too," said Ferguson. "But the fact we have Chris Smalling and Phil Jones fit is a big bonus to us."

Meanwhile, Ferguson refused to discuss the furore around comments Gary Neville made about David de Gea on TV this week.

Neville was critical of De Gea's weak punch at White Hart Lane, which led to Tottenham's injury-time equaliser.

That led to claims from TalkSPORT presenter Richard Keys that Neville had been ordered to make the comments, which have been dismissed by all parties.

"I am not getting into that at all," said Ferguson. "You have to listen to some idiots in the game."